All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

In an organization, if a superior coordinates with his subordinates and vice - versa is known as:

The correct answer is
Perpendicular coordination

Understanding Organizational Coordination

Coordination is a vital management process that ensures different activities and efforts within an organization are synchronized to achieve its objectives smoothly and efficiently. It's about linking actions and aligning resources across various levels and departments.

Analyzing Superior-Subordinate Coordination

The question focuses on the specific type of communication and alignment that happens between individuals at different levels of the organizational hierarchy. It describes a scenario where:

  • A superior (manager) works with and guides their subordinates (employees reporting to them).
  • Subordinates also interact and align with their superior, providing upward communication.

This two-way flow between different hierarchical levels is commonly referred to as vertical coordination. It maintains the chain of command and facilitates the flow of directives and feedback.

Evaluating the Coordination Options

Let's look at each option to see how it fits the description:

Option Meaning Fit with Question
1. Perpendicular coordination This term suggests coordination along the vertical axis of the hierarchy, connecting different levels (superior and subordinate). It might be used as an alternative or specific interpretation of vertical coordination. Strongly related, as it implies the up-and-down flow between levels.
2. External coordination This involves interactions between the organization and outside entities like customers, suppliers, or government agencies. Not relevant, as the question deals with internal organizational relationships.
3. Horizontal coordination This type of coordination occurs between individuals, departments, or teams at the same organizational level, working side-by-side. Not relevant, because the question specifically contrasts superiors and subordinates (different levels).
4. Supplementary coordination This is not a standard management term for describing coordination types. It doesn't clearly define the relationship between superiors and subordinates. Not relevant.

Clarifying Perpendicular Coordination

While the standard term for coordination between superiors and subordinates (and vice versa) is vertical coordination, the term "Perpendicular coordination" is used in the provided options. In this context, it likely serves the same purpose – describing the flow of coordination up and down the organizational chart, representing the direct line of authority and reporting. It emphasizes the connection between distinct hierarchical levels, perhaps drawing a contrast to horizontal (parallel) coordination.

Therefore, the interaction between a superior and subordinates, and the reverse, is captured by the concept of perpendicular coordination as presented in this question.

Was this answer helpful?

Important Questions from Public Administration

  1. Arrange the following administrative thinkers/theorists chronologically

    A. F. W. Willoughby

    B. Max Weber

    C. David Easton

    D. Elton Mayo

  2. Who among the following came out with an innovative idea of ‘constructive conflict’?

  3. Match List I and List II

    List I

    List II

    (A)

    Administration in developing countries: The theory of prismatic society

    (I)

    Herbert Simon 

    (B)

    Administrative benaviour 

    (II)

    Gerald E. Caiden

    (C)

    The dynamics of public administration: Guidelines to current transformations in theory and practice

    (III)

    Fred W. Riggs

    (D)

    The human problem of an industrial civilization 

    (IV)

    Elton Mayo 
  4. The paper entitled 'The study of administration’, published in Political Science Quarterly in 1887, was written by

  5. \Who wrote the book- Management: Tasks, Responsibilities, Practices?

Need Expert Advice?

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App